Vacuum cleaner with scent attachment

ABSTRACT

A scent attachment for a vacuum cleaner. The attachment is a mount with one or more slots adapted to receive one or more scent inserts or discs. The scent inserts may be held securely in the slots by pressure, friction, a spring-lock mechanism, a tab, a lever, or other similar means. The mount is located in the airflow pathway, and introduces a scent into the air being discharged from the vacuum cleaner. The mount may be located on or integrated with the vacuum filter in the debris container.

This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/149,582, filed Apr. 18, 2015, by Francisco Guerra, et al., and is entitled to that filing date for priority. The specification, figures, and complete disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/149,582 are incorporated herein in their entireties by specific reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with scent attachment and improvements thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vacuum cleaners of various types are well known in the art. Vacuum cleaners work by sucking air containing dust, debris, or foreign substances from a surface, such as, but not limited to, a floor, carpet, or sofa. Generally, vacuums take two forms: a canister-type with a suction nozzle separated from the main body by a hose or tube, and an upright-type with an integrated suction nozzle at the base of the main body (although it should be noted that the types can be mixed, as many upright-type vacuum cleaners also have a hose or tube attachment). Vacuums also may be hand-held (e.g., a “dust-buster”).

In any form, vacuum cleaners operate by a motor creating a suction force that pulls air in through a suction nozzle or nozzles and into a dust or debris collection container. The air flow exits the collection container through a filter, which keeps the dust and debris in the collection container for later removal. The air passes through the motor and is discharged. Examples of vacuum cleaners are disclosed in Theising, U.S. Pat. No. 9,173,533 and Seo, U.S. Pat. No. 9,265,392, which are incorporated in their entireties by specific reference for all purposes.

One problem with vacuum cleaners is that the dust and debris in the collection container often sits therein for a long period of time, and can generate unpleasant odors or smells in the air discharge, particularly when agitated. Such odors and smells also can result from dust and debris being removed from surfaces during the initial collection, as well. Accordingly, what is needed is a means of addressing the odors and smells in the air discharged from the vacuum.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In various embodiments, the present invention comprises a vacuum cleaner with a scent attachment. The scent attachment neutralizes or deodorizes stale air discharged from the vacuum cleaner, and may introduce one or more scents into the air discharge.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scent attachment comprise a mount with one or more slots adapted to receive one or more scent inserts or discs. The scent inserts may be held securely in the slots by pressure, friction, a spring-lock mechanism, a tab, a lever, or other similar means. If multiple slots are provided, the slots may be located in a variety of positions: e.g., overlapping, partially overlapping, offset, in parallel, in series, and so on.

The mount and scent inserts or discs may be made of any appropriate material, including, but not limited to, plastic, wax, composite, ceramic, wood, paper, cardboard, metal, or combinations thereof. The scent inserts may comprise round, circular discs, with openings therein to allow air to flow through the disc. The disc material itself may be scented, in whole or in part. In an alternative embodiment, the disc comprises an outer frame with scented material extending across the center.

The mount may be located anywhere in the air flow pathway, including, but not limited to, the vacuum motor intake or the vacuum motor exhaust. If the latter, the elevated temperature of the exhaust may help in the release of scent, but heat resistant materials may be required for the mount and scent inserts. If located in or near the vacuum motor intake, the mount may be located after the filter, so that dust and debris taken in by the vacuum do not collect on or clog up the scent attachment.

The scent attachment may be mounted in a position easily accessed by the user, so that the user can easily change or replace the scent inserts or discs. In one embodiment, the use removes the dust or debris bottle or bin, with filter, to access the attachment. The scent attachment may be a separate mechanism that can be attached to existing vacuum cleaner models (i.e., retrofitted), but also may be incorporated into the vacuum body or components. Scent inserts or discs may be provided and sold separately as a consumable item.

In another exemplary embodiment, the scent attachment comprise a mount built into the end of the filter holder. A scent insert or disc is inserted into the mount, and held in place by a scent disc cover or holder with an open center. The cover or holder may be secured into place by rotational movement, so as to engage with tabs or threads.

The scent attachment may be used with a variety of vacuums, including hand-held “dust busters,” standing or upright vacuums, canister vacuums, shop vacs, and the like.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an improved filter holder, with the clips on the lid to the dust bin modified in shape and are reinforced, with added ribs and thicker material (such as, but not limited to, plastic). The filter also may be enlarged to provide better suction. In yet another embodiment, a flap may be installed on the filter holder. The flap may have a spring hinge. The flap opens when air is being pulled into the dust bin and filter, but closes to keep dust or dirt from escaping when the vacuum suction is not operating.

In a further embodiment, the handle on an upright vacuum may be modified to form an angle of approximately 83% relative to the base when in its fully upright locked position. This positions the handle and dust bin leaning slightly over the base, thereby enhancing the stability of the vacuum. The handle may be extendible. The cable hook on the handle also may be enlarged.

In yet a further embodiment, the base of the vacuum is modified, so that the dust/debris intake form one large opening or slot, instead of two smaller slots. In another embodiment, the bayonet mount may be modified to lock by rotation, thereby engaging tabs with corresponding slots around the perimeter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a view of a scent attachment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a view of scent discs.

FIG. 3 shows views of an improved filter and filter holder.

FIG. 4 shows views of a filter flap.

FIG. 5 shows views of an upright vacuum with angled handle.

FIG. 6 shows a view of a vacuum base.

FIG. 7 shows views of a vacuum base.

FIG. 8 shows views of an extendible handle.

FIGS. 9 and 10 shows views of cable hook.

FIG. 11 shows a view of a bayonet attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In various exemplary embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention comprises a vacuum cleaner 2 with a scent attachment 20. The scent attachment neutralizes or deodorizes stale air discharged from the vacuum cleaner, and may introduce one or more scents into the air discharge.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scent attachment comprise a mount 22 with one or more slots or openings 24 adapted to receive one or more scent inserts or discs 30. The scent inserts or discs 30 may be held securely in the slots or openings 24 by pressure, friction, a spring-lock mechanism, a tab, a lever, a cover or other similar means. The inserts and discs may be removable. If multiple slots are provided, the slots may be located in a variety of positions: e.g., overlapping, partially overlapping, offset, in parallel, in series, and so on.

The mount 22 and scent inserts or discs 30 may be made of any appropriate material, including, but not limited to, plastic, wax, composite, ceramic, wood, paper, cardboard, metal, or combinations thereof. As seen in FIG. 2, the scent inserts comprise round, circular discs 32, with openings 34 therein to allow air to flow through the disc. The disc material itself may be scented, in whole or in part. In an alternative embodiment, the disc comprises an outer frame with scented material extending across the center.

The mount 22 may be located anywhere in the air flow pathway, including, but not limited to, the vacuum motor intake or the vacuum motor exhaust. If the latter, the elevated temperature of the exhaust may help in the release of scent, but heat resistant materials may be required for the mount and scent inserts. If located in or near the vacuum motor intake, the mount may be located after the filter, so that dust and debris taken in by the vacuum does not collect on or clog up the scent attachment.

The scent attachment may be mounted in a position easily accessed by the user, so that the user can easily change or replace the scent inserts or discs. In one embodiment, the use removes the dust or debris container, bottle or bin 4, with filter 6, to access the attachment. The scent attachment may be a separate mechanism that can be attached to existing vacuum cleaner models (i.e., retrofitted), but also may be incorporated into the vacuum body or other component. Scent inserts or discs 30 may be provided and sold separately as a consumable item.

In another exemplary embodiment, the scent attachment comprise a mount 2 built into the end of the filter holder 8, as seen in FIG. 1. A scent insert or disc is inserted into the mount, and held in place by a scent disc cover or holder 42 with an open center. The cover or holder may be secured into place by rotational movement, so as to engage with tabs or threads.

The scent attachment may be used with a variety of vacuums, including hand-held “dust busters,” standing or upright vacuums, canister vacuums, shop vacs, and the like.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an improved filter holder. As seen in FIG. 3, the clips 52 on the lid 50 to the dust bin are modified in shape (to form a curve or S-shape), and are reinforced with added ribs and thicker material (such as, but not limited to, plastic). The filter 6 also may be enlarged to provide better suction.

In yet another embodiment, a flap 60 may be installed on the filter holder, as seen in FIG. 4. The flap may have a spring hinge 62. The flap opens when air is being pulled into the dust bin and filter, but closes to keep dust or dirt from escaping when the vacuum suction is not operating.

In a further embodiment, the handle 70 on an upright vacuum forms an angle of approximately 83 degrees relative to the base 72 when in its fully upright locked position (i.e., approximately 7 degree from the vertical), as seen in FIG. 5. This positions the handle 70 and dust bin 74 leaning slightly over the base 72, thereby enhancing the stability of the vacuum.

Further, as seen in FIG. 8, the handle 70 is extendible telescopically. In one embodiment, the lower part of the handle comprises a series of latch points 72, and the user can move the upper part of the handle to a desired latch point by disengaging and engaging a latch 74. The cable or electric wire hooks 78 (both upper and lower ends) on the handle also may be enlarged, as seen in FIGS. 9-10, to more securely hold the cable or wire. The grip 76 on the end of the handle may be contoured.

In yet a further embodiment, the base of the vacuum is modified, so that the dust/debris intake or suction nozzle form one large opening or slot 80, instead of two smaller slots, as seen in FIGS. 6-7. This provides stronger suction and better cleaning power.

In another embodiment, the bayonet mount 90 on a form of upright is modified to lock by rotation, thereby engaging tabs 92 with corresponding slots 94 around the perimeter, as seen in FIG. 11.

Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and examples described herein have been chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited for particular uses contemplated. Even though specific embodiments of this invention have been described, they are not to be taken as exhaustive. There are several variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: a suction nozzle; a main body comprising a debris container with a filter, and a motor with an intake and an exhaust configured to induce airflow into the suction nozzle and through the debris container; and a scent attachment placed with said airflow.
 2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the scent attachment comprises a mount with one or more slots configured to hold one or more scent inserts or discs.
 3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein said one or more scent inserts or discs are removably held.
 4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein said one or more scent inserts or discs comprise one or more openings configured to allow said airflow to flow therethrough.
 5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein said one or more scent inserts or discs comprise scented material.
 6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein said one or more scent inserts or discs comprise a frame holding scented material extending across the center of the insert or disc.
 7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the scent attachment is mounted on or near the motor intake.
 8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the scent attachment is mounted on or near the motor exhaust.
 9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the scent attachment is mounted on the filter.
 10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the filter is mounted on a filter holder, and the scent attachment is mounted on or integrated with the filter holder.
 11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner constitutes one of an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, or a hand-held vacuum cleaner.
 12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 10, wherein the filter holder comprises a flap with a spring hinge, wherein the flap is configured to open when the motor is inducing airflow into the debris container
 13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises an upright vacuum cleaner with a base containing said suction nozzle, said base rotatably attached to the main body, with a handle extending upward from the main body.
 14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein said base and upright body are configured to lock in an upright locked position where the handle forms an approximate 83 degree angle relative to the base.
 15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein the handle is extendible.
 16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein the suction nozzle comprises a single large opening in the base.
 17. A scent attachment for a vacuum cleaner with a suction nozzle, a main body with a debris container with a filter, and a motor with an intake and an exhaust configured to induce airflow into the suction nozzle and through the debris container, the scent attachment comprising: a mount with one or more slots; and one or more scent inserts or discs configured to be inserted into said one or more slots; wherein the mount is located within the airflow.
 18. The scent attachment of claim 17, wherein the mount is mounted on or near the motor exhaust.
 19. The vacuum cleaner of claim 17, wherein the scent attachment is mounted on the filter.
 20. The scent attachment of claim 17, wherein the one or more scent inserts or discs comprise scented material. 